Richards' training pays off in cyclocross races

Niwotian Doug Richards has been racing cyclocross for nearly a decade. Under the watchful eye of a new coach where he's been on an amped up training regime, he has recently achieved great success. He's celebrating two first-place finishes in the 60+ division on Sept. 28 and 29 and a second-place finish on Sept. 15 while competing in the Blue Sky Velo Cup course races in Dry Creek Park in Longmont. He's a member of Blue Sky Velo Club.

Cyclocross races are short courses (two miles or less) on varying surfaces such as grass, dirt, sand, mud, in addition to obstacles to either avoid or cross, along with steep ascents and downhills. Depending on the terrain, riders will dismount and carry their bikes at various times throughout the race. Competitors complete as many laps as possible over a timed period taxing riders' cardio abilities and technical skills. The Blue Sky Velo Cup races Richards participated in were 45 minutes long. The competitive cyclocross season continues through November.